Big Week Gets Taylor Conference USA Award

IRVING, Texas – After nearly averaging a double-double over a two-game week of Conference USA matchups, Marshall freshman forward Ryan Taylor (Indianapolis) was recognized for his play by being named C-USA Freshman of the Week for the second time this season, the league office announced Monday.

The weekly awards are chosen by a media panel representing the 16 member schools.

In a road win against Rice (Jan. 23), Taylor tied for the team lead in scoring with 18 points, while having added eight rebounds. His long-range efficiency helped the Thundering Herd as he finished 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Before a near-sold out crowd at Louisiana Tech (Jan. 25), Taylor posted the sixth double-double of his freshman campaign on 17 points and 11 rebounds to finish as the team leader in both categories in a losing effort.

On the week, Taylor averaged 17.5 points and 9.5 rebounds with a 10-of-19 mark from the field (52.6 percent) and a 12-of-16 showing from the charity stripe (75 percent).

This marks the 15th C-USA Freshman of the Week honor in the history of Marshall men’s basketball. Freshman guard Kareem Canty (Harlem, N.Y.) has received the honor three times this season (Dec. 2, 9 and 16). Five Freshman of the Week awards in a season marks the second most in a season for the Herd, with the most having been six (2009-10).

On the season, Taylor ranks second on the Marshall active roster in points (13.9) and first in rebounds (7.5). His six double-doubles are also a Marshall best this season.

Marshall will return to action against FIU on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Cam Henderson Center.

In-game Twitter updates @HerdMBB, results and a recap from the night’s action will be available at HerdZone.com.